My parents set a very frugal example and taught me about money at a young age. Simple things like having a checking account (and a credit card) and all that from a young age. Knowing I Was expected to get a job at 16 and pay my own bills, etc. You do need to start young and be consistent.
Plus my parents always let me know how hard they worked to where they got and how it doesn't come easy. It was very clear to me from a very young age that money doesn't grow on trees and you never get something for nothing.
I had to laugh when my 4-year-old was telling me that they had gotten the scooby doo graham crackers the other day because they were cheaper. I didn't know he understood the concept of "cheaper." Anyway, my husband told me that if the kids want treats at the store they know it has to be on sale. & even then, they negotiate. So they know how to look for sales. & my 4yo is a pretty good negotiator (very important skill). I mean, just a perfect example of how you start young. You just involve the kids in money decisions and let them see how the world works. It's the same kind of stuff my parents did with me.
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